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Our Best Drum Brands Reviewed

Updated: May 24th, 2021

It can be difficult to decide which drum set is best for you because there are so many choices available. This is due to the fact that each brand has its own set of levels, attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and other characteristics. It’s hard to choose only one drum brand when it comes to the best drums. As a result, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 drum brands. We hope that by looking through this list, aspiring drummers and musicians will be able to learn more about each brand and, as a result, determine which one is better for them.

Alesis

It’s clear that it’s not as feature-rich as high-end collections, but if you’re on a budget, this is a great choice. Alesis electronic drums will deliver if you’re looking for an easy-to-move alternative to acoustic drums, a MIDI-compatible percussion solution, or the ultimate in customizability. They are currently gaining a lot of attention in the industry for their complete electronic drum sets and lowering the cost of electronic drumming, making it more available to a wider audience. The ability to capture your own drumming patterns and sounds is one of the most important features of electronic drum kits. Obviously, you won’t get the amazing acoustic simulation that high-end electronic drum sets (which can cost thousands of dollars!) provide but the sound quality, on the other hand, is excellent for the price. YouTube sensation Kraft Music, uses the Alesis Nitro Kit.

When it comes to performing live, you will hear some tapping but it’s actually a reasonably quiet set due to it having rubber heads. You can also experiment with seven different hi-hat combinations to make your hi-hat fills and breaks more interesting. Beginners were not forgotten by the manufacturers. They included 60 play-along tracks for beginners and those who haven’t played in a long time to help them develop their skills

You can also change the volume of these tracks to your taste. You’ll be able to adjust the tempo, click track, and volume to fit your needs. When it comes to first-class games, the price range in which the Alesis Nitro falls does not cover all the bases. This set, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and advanced drummers. It will also suffice as a practice electronic drum kit for experienced drummers on a budget. A great set to use is the Alesis Nitro Kit Mesh Kit Bundle going for around $416.

Alesis Drum Kits Full reviews

Alesis Crimson Kit II Review
Alesis DM10 MKII Review
Alesis DM10X Review
Alesis DM6 Review 
Alesis Forge Review 
Alesis Nitro Review
Alesis Strike Pro Review
Alesis Surge Review

Ludwig

Ludwig is one of the “best drum set brands” because they produce full kits for musicians who demand pro-level sound and functionality. They make snare drums, hardware, and some of the best-sounding shells you’ll ever hear! The Ludwig Questlove Breakbeats Shell Pack is a beautiful portable drum kit for those with limited space and players who need a professional-level kit for small gigs. For intermediate players, we suggest the Ludwig Element Icon kits, as well as the Ludwig Legacy Mahogany kits (pictured), which have amazing sound thanks to their 3 ply Mahogany and American poplar shells.

This kit stands out due to its warmth and articulation. If you’re asking yourself, “Is Ludwig a decent drum set?” Yeah, it’s a resounding yes. It’s much easier to transport to concerts, and the sound quality remains unchanged. They make high-quality kits that combine traditional design with modern dependability. You will not be unhappy!  Since the dawn of Beatlemania, the century-old company has been making Ringo’s drums. To name a few, Ludwig drums have been used by Alex Van Halen, Questlove, and even Paul McCartney. The Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove 4-Piece Shell Acoustic Drum Set is an excellent example of their brand. You’d be able to purchase one for approximately $400.

Ludwig Drum Kits Full reviews:

Ludwig Breakbeats Review:
Ludwig Jr Drum Set Review 
Ludwig Pocket Kit Review

Pearl

Snare drums are a type of drum that is used to build a rhythm Pearl is a well-known manufacturer of snare drums in addition to drum kits. Snare drums are used in low-end kits (Vision series and lower), but snares must be purchased separately in higher-end kits. The Pearl Roadshow 5-Piece. Because of its high value and the fact that it always comes with a box of hardware and cymbals, the Pearl Export series has become the world’s best-selling drum kit. It comes highly recommended by us. This 5-piece acoustic drum set from Pearl is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a decent acoustic drum set to start practicing on right away. It’s fairly priced, costing just under $500 online and in shops. 

They have excellent, sturdy hardware and look professional for a relatively affordable price. Pearl’s drums usually come with their Superior Shell Technology, which makes the shells airtight and resonates well, so purchasing from Pearl is a great choice for high-end drum lovers. Tico Torres is the band, Bon Jovi’s longest member, having been with them for their whole career.

Pearl Drum Kits Full reviews:

Pearl e Pro Review 2019 
Pearl Midtown Review
Pearl Roadshow Review
Pearl Export Series Review 

Roland

If you’re a novice drummer searching for a low-cost entry-level electronic drum set to study songs and practice rudiments on, or a pro drummer in need of a strong, articulate, and fully customizable e-kit for demoing, filming, or live performing, the best Roland electronic drum sets have something for everybody. They have a lot of different materials, and the pieces are more expensive to get a consistently decent sound and feel. Furthermore, the costs of product production and testing are likely to play a role in the price. For about $537, you can get the Roland TD-1KV, a quiet, lightweight electronic drum kit for beginners.

The USB port can also send and receive MIDI files, making it ideal for controlling high-quality sound libraries like EZ Drummer and Superior Drummer. For those just getting started, the on-board jam tracks and Rhythm Coach functions would be really useful. The TD-1 is built as a beginner’s practice instrument, which it does admirably, and it comes at a reasonable price. YouTube drumming sensation Meytal Cohen loves using V-Drums and other Roland electronic percussion, which can be heard in her videos.

Roland Drum Kits Full Reviews:

Roland TD 11 Review
Roland TD 1KV Review
Roland TD 30KV Review 
Roland TD-25KV Review 

Yamaha

Yamaha is a well-known name in the percussion industry, despite the fact that their brand extends beyond instruments to industries such as furniture and motorcycles. Yamaha Drums is a great place to start if you’re looking for a hardworking drum kit. They are one of our favorites because they are so dependable and hardworking. If you prefer the Yamaha Rydeen beginner kits with included hardware or the Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid pro-level kits. Any novice or intermediate player will enjoy playing the new RYDEEN (5-piece shell pack) can be bought online for just $432. This drum set includes Yamaha hardware, including Genuine Yamaha tom and pipe clamps, as well as solid and glitter finishes in three color variations for a total of six vivid and stylish looks. You’ll be able to recognize this brand onstage with many famous bands & artists, even including Twenty One Pilots.

Yamaha Drums are one of our favorites because they are so dependable and hardworking. When it comes to Yamaha kits, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a full package of hardware or just the shells. Yamaha Drums has been making high-quality kits for professional drummers since 1967, and they won’t let you down. Their roster of artists is longer than Moby Dick’s drum solo, and they produce a wide variety of drum sets for beginners, intermediates, and professionals, so there’s a fair chance they’ll have something for you.

Yamaha Drum Kits Full reviews:

Yamaha DTX562K Review
Yamaha DTX450K Review

Comparison Table

SpecsAlesisLudwigPearlRolandYamaha
OriginsUSAUSAJapanJapanJapan
Price approx. (entry level)$416

$1760$500$537$432
Best Drums set

Alesis Strike ProLudwig Classic Maple 6pc Drum SetTama Imperialstar 6-PieceRoland TD-1KVYamaha Stage
Custom Birch
Quality6.1/10
8.3/10
8.9/10
8.6/10
9.7/10
Kids Level

✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Beginners Level

✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Pro Level✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Best for
(gigs / studio / learning)

LearningGigsGigsStudioGigs & Studio
Used by:

YouTube legends, Kraft MusicRingo Starr, The BeatlesTico Torres, Bon Jovi
Meytal Cohen
Twenty One Pilots

Other great brands to consider

Other great brands like Aerodrums, Behringer and Gretsch are considerable too. Aerodrums Digital Air Drums, Electronic Drums with Virtual Reality Option and MIDI support can be purchased on Amazon for $199. With unlimited customization, you can see what you’re playing and have complete control over drum positioning. Behringer drums for a beginner, this electronic drum kit provides a clear sound and drumming experience. You will grow a dynamic ear and learn about striking complexities with the dual-zone pads and 15 different kit choices. The pads have enough bounce and answer to encourage a drummer to play around with them. You’d be able to purchase the BEHRINGER XD80USB for $502.

Aerodrums

Aerodrums Review 

Behringer

Behringer XD80USB Review

Freedrum

Freedrum Review 

Gammon

Gammon Drum Set Review 

Gretsch

Gretsch Catalina Club Review
Gretsch Catalina Maple Review

Mendini

Mendini Drum Set Review

Mapex

Mapex Armory Review

Sonor

Sonor Martini Review 

Tama

Tama Imperialstar Review

Tascam

Tascam DR-40 Review 

Zildjian

Zildjian L80 & Gen16 Low Volume Cymbals Review:

2Box Drumit 5 Review

Did you know…?

Funny facts about drum brands

1. Which is the oldest drum brand ever?

That would be Zildjian, founded 398 years ago in Constantinople (the old Ottoman Empire). Noble & Cooley is an American musical instrument manufacturer which is one of the world’s oldest drum companies, having been formed as early as 1854. Fun Fact: The company is still in its original building in the northeastern U.S. town of Granville, Massachusetts.

2. Who made Ludwig drums popular?
The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr endorsed the company, which helped it gain considerable prominence in the 1960s. Ringo Starr from the Beatles, made his first public appearance with his Ludwig pack in June 1963 at the Playhouse Theatre for a broadcast of the Easy Beat radio show. 

3. Does drumming burn calories?
In the same amount of time, drumming consumes more calories than swimming, hiking, and weight lifting. Drumming does burn between 200 and 1500 calories per hour, depending on how vigorously you drum and how much the entire body is used. According to CalorieLab, a 185-pound individual can burn about 252 calories in an hour-long session.

4. What is the world’s largest drumming kit?
It took 36 years to create the world’s largest drum kit, which has 813 parts! Dr. Mark Temperato designed it with plans to extend it to 1,000 parts or more.Mark Temperato (AKA RevM) considers himself a “Agent of Rhythm” and owns the world’s largest drum kit. The drum collection includes over 50 different makes and models of high-quality drums, cymbals, and other equipment. 

5. When were electric drums made? 

Electric drums became very common in the 1980s. Many believed they would make conventional drum kits obsolete or extinct. Most drummers, however, continue to favor acoustic drum sets, which has been the case since the invention of electric drums.

Graeme Edge, drummer for The Moody Blues, worked with Sussex University Professor Brian Groves to create the first electronic drum in the early 1970s. The system was used in the song “Procession” from the album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, which was released in 1971.

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